Beijing's iconic food scene sprung back to life this week as authorities lifted indoor dining restrictions in most districts following over a month of tightened COVID-19 controls. On June 6, restaurants and cafes welcomed dine-in customers back—with the exception of Fengtai and parts of Changping districts still managing localized outbreaks.
Revival of the Dining Scene
CGTN reports showed packed food courts in commercial hubs like Sanlitun and Guomao, with residents lining up for hotpot, dumplings, and bubble tea. 'It feels like a reunion with old friends,' said Liu Wei, a tech worker enjoying Sichuan cuisine with colleagues. 'We missed the noise and laughter of shared meals.'
Cautious Optimism
Restaurant managers expressed relief but noted challenges. 'Our reservations hit 80% capacity by noon,' said Li Na, a Beijing roast duck restaurant owner, while emphasizing continued temperature checks and sanitization. Data shows 92% of Beijing's districts reported zero community transmission for seven consecutive days prior to reopening, driving the policy shift.
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How does indoor dining look after Beijing eased COVID-19 curbs?
cgtn.com
